A convicted drug dealer has been sentenced to 65 years in prison following a jury trial in Liberty County.
On Feb. 25, 2025, Martin Saldana, 33, was found guilty in the 75th District Court of possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1, greater than 400 grams, with intent to deliver. The following day, he was sentenced to 65 years in prison and fined $150,000.
The conviction stems from a June 1, 2023, raid by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) at Saldana’s residence in Colony Ridge. According to law enforcement, Saldana resisted arrest and struggled with deputies before being taken into custody. A search of the home uncovered approximately 470 grams of methamphetamine, 42 grams of cocaine, 1.6 pounds of marijuana, multiple digital scales, packaging materials, $5,553 in cash, and numerous firearms.
After being transported to the Liberty County Jail, Saldana again resisted deputies before being secured in a holding cell.
Saldana pleaded not guilty, and the case proceeded to trial before a jury in the 75th District Court, presided over by visiting Judge Kaycee Jones. During the trial, law enforcement officers testified that the amount and variety of drugs, as well as the presence of scales, cash, and firearms, indicated drug distribution rather than personal use.
Saldana took the stand in his own defense, claiming the narcotics were for personal use and to treat headaches. He also testified that he was born in California and later relocated to Texas, eventually moving to Colony Ridge in Liberty County.
The jury deliberated for 10 minutes before returning a guilty verdict. During the sentencing phase, Judge Jones imposed the 65-year sentence and $150,000 fine.
Liberty County District Attorney Jennifer Bergman commended law enforcement for their work in securing the conviction.
“This verdict and sentence should send a strong message: if you choose to sell drugs in our community, we will punish you harshly,” Bergman said. “Liberty County will not tolerate the poison these criminals bring into our neighborhoods. I want to thank the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement officers who were involved in investigating and preparing this case for trial. Their efforts are making our streets safer and protecting the families of communities throughout Liberty County.”
Colony Ridge Where have I heard that before.
Probably the last 50 times these low IQ beaners got out of hand.